Morning Star by H. Rider Haggard

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Tua made no reply, only as they took their seats in the golden chairsat the head of the hall, she asked carelessly:

"Is this Prince of Kesh also a suitor for my hand, O Pharaoh?"

"What else should he be, my daughter? Did you not know it? Be graciousto him now, since it is decreed that you shall take him as a husband.Hush! answer not. He comes."

As he spoke a sound of wild music arose, and at the far end of thegreat hall appeared a band of players gorgeously attired, who blewhorns made from small tusks of the elephant, clashed brazen cymbalsand beat gilded drums. These advanced a little way up the hall andstood there playing, while after them marched a bodyguard of twentygigantic Nubian soldiers who carried broad-bladed spears with shieldsof hippopotamus hide curiously worked, and were clothed in tunics andcaps of leopard-skin.

Next appeared the Prince of Kesh himself, a short, stout, broad-shouldered young man, thick-featured, heavy-faced, and having large,rolling eyes. He was clad in festal garments, and hung about withheavy chains of gold fastened with clasps of glittering stones, whilefrom his crisp, black hair rose a tall plume of nodding ostrichfeathers. Fan bearers walked beside him, and the train of his longcloak was borne by two black and hideous dwarfs, full-grown men but notaller than a child of eight.

With one swift glance, while he was yet far away, Tua studied the manfrom head to foot, and hated him as she had never hated anyone before.Then she looked over his head, as from her raised seat upon the daisshe was able to do, and saw that behind him came a second guard ofpicked Egyptian soldiers, and that in command of them, simply clad inhis scaled armour of bronze, and wearing upon his thigh the golden-handled sword that Pharaoh had given him, was none other than theyoung Count Rames, her playmate and foster-brother, the man whom herheart loved. At the sight of his tall and noble form and fine-cut facerising above the coarse, squat figure of the Ethiopian prince, Tuablushed rosy red, but Pharaoh noting it, only thought, as others did,that it was because now for the first time her eyes fell upon him whowould be her husband.

Why, Tua wondered, was Rames chosen to attend upon the Prince Amathel?At once the answer rose in her mind. Doubtless it had been done togratify the pride of Amathel, not by Pharaoh, who would know nothingof such matters, but by some bribed councillor, or steward of thehousehold. Rames was of more ancient blood than Amathel, and by rightshould be the King of Kesh, as he should also be Pharaoh of Egypt;therefore, to humble him he was set to wait upon Amathel.

Moreover, it was guessed that the young Queen looked kindly upon thisCount Rames with whom she had been nursed, and who, like herself, wasbeautiful to behold. Therefore, to abase him in her eyes he had beencommanded to appear walking in the train of Amathel and given chargeover his sacred person at the feast.

In a moment Tua understood it all, and made a vow before her fatherAmen that soon or late those who had planned this outrage should payits price, nor did she forget that promise in the after days.

Now the Prince had mounted the dais and was bowing low to Pharaoh andto her, and they must rise and bow in answer. Then Pharaoh welcomedhim to Egypt in few, well-chosen words, giving him all his titles andspeaking meaningly of the ancient ties which had linked theirkingdoms, ties which, he prayed, might yet draw them close again.

He ceased and looked at Tua who, as Queen, had also a speech todeliver that had been given to her in writing. Although she rememberedthis well enough, for the roll lay beside her, never a word would sheread, but turned round and bade one of her waiting-ladies bring her afan.

So after a pause that seemed somewhat long Amathel delivered hisanswer that was learned by rote, for it replied to "gentle words fromthe lips of the divine Queen that made his heart to flower like thedesert after rain," not one of which had she spoken. Thereon Tua,looking over the top of her fan, saw Rames smile grimly, while unableto restrain themselves, some of the great personages at the feastbroke out laughing, and bowed down their heads to hide theirmerriment.

With an angry scowl the Prince turned and commanded that the giftsshould be brought. Now slaves advanced bearing cups of worked gold,elephants and other beasts fashioned in gold, and golden vases full ofincense, which he presented to Pharaoh on behalf of his father, theKing of Kesh and himself, saying boastfully that in his country suchthings were common, and that he would have brought more of them had itnot been for their weight.

When Pharaoh had thanked him, answering gently that Egypt too was notpoor, as he hoped that he would find upon the morrow, the Prince, onhis own behalf alone, offered to the Queen other presents, among thempectorals and necklaces without price fashioned of amethysts andsapphires. Also, because she was known to be the first of musiciansand the sweetest-voiced lady in the land--for these were the greatestof the gifts that Tua had from Amen--he gave to her a wonderfullyworked harp of ivory with golden strings, the frame of the harp beingfashioned to the shape of a woman, and two black female slaves ladenwith ornaments, who were said to be the best singers in the SouthernLand.

Now Pharaoh whispered to Tua to put on one of the necklaces, but shewould not, saying that the colour of the stones did not match herwhite robe and the blue lotus flowers which she wore. Instead, shethanked Amathel coldly but courteously, and without looking at hisgifts, told the royal Nurse, Asti, who stood behind her, to bear themaway and to place them at a distance, as the perfumes that had beenpoured over them, oppressed her. Only, as though by an afterthought,she bade them leave the ivory harp.

Thus inauspiciously enough the feast began. At it Amathel drank muchof the sweet wine of Asi or Cyprus, commanding Rames, who stood behindhim, to fill his cup again and again, though whether he did thisbecause he was nearest to him, or to lower him to the rank of abutler, Tua did not know. At least, having no choice, Rames obeyed,though cup-filling was no fitting task for a Count of Egypt and anofficer of Pharaoh's guard.

When the waiting women, clad in net worked with spangles of gold, hadborne away the meats, conjurers appeared who did wonderful feats,amongst other things causing a likeness of Queen Neter-Tua wearing herroyal robes and having a star upon her brow, to arise out of a vase.

Then, as they had arranged, they strove to do the same for the PrinceAmathel, but Asti who had more magic than all of them, watching behindTua's chair, put out her strength and threw a spell upon them.

Behold! instead of the form of the Prince, which these conjurerssummoned loudly and by name, there appeared out of the vase a monkeywearing a crown and feathers that yet resembled him somewhat, whichblack and hideous ape stood there for a while seeming to gibber atthem, then fell down and vanished away.

Now some of the audience laughed and some were silent, but Pharaoh,not knowing whether this were a plot or an evil omen from the gods,frowned and looked anxiously at his guest. As it chanced, however, thePrince, fired with wine, was so engaged in staring at the lovelinessof Tua, that he took no note of the thing, while the Queen lookedupwards and seemed to see nothing. As for the conjurers, they fledfrom the hall, fearing for their lives, and wondering what strongspirit had entered into the vase and spoilt the trick which they hadprepared.

As they went singers and dancing women hurriedly took their place,till Tua, wearying of the stare of Amathel, waved her hand and saidthat she wished to hear those two Nubian slaves whose voices were saidto be so wonderful. So they were brought forward with their harps, andhaving prostrated themselves, began to play and sing very sweetly,Nubian songs melancholy and wild, whereof few could understand themeaning. So well did they sing, indeed, that when they had done,Neter-Tua said:

"You have pleased me much, and in payment I give you a royal gift. Igive you your freedom, and appoint that henceforth you shall singbefore the Court, if you think fit to stay here, not as slaves but forhire."

Then the two women prostrated themselves again before her Majesty andblessed her, for they knew that they could earn wealth by their gift,and the rich courtiers taking the Queen's cue, flung rings andornaments to them, so that in a minute they got more gold than everthey had dreamed of, who were but kidnapped slaves. But Prince Amathelgrew angry and said:

"Some might have been pleased to keep the priceless gift of the bestsingers in the world."

"Do you say that these sweet-voiced women are the best singers in theworld, O Prince?" asked Tua, speaking to him for the first time. "Nowif you will be pleased to listen, you provoke me to make trial of myown small skill that I may learn how far I fall short of 'the bestsingers in the world.'"

Then she lifted up the ivory harp with the strings of gold and swepther fingers over it, trying its notes and adjusting them with theagate screws, looking at Amathel all the while with a challenge in herlovely eyes.

"Nay, nay, my daughter," said Pharaoh, "it is scarcely fitting that aqueen of Egypt should sing before all this noble company."

"Why not, my father?" she asked. "To-night we all do honour to theheir of his Majesty of Kesh. Pharaoh receives him, Pharaoh's daughteraccepts his gifts, the highest in the land surround him," then shepaused and added slowly, "one of blood more ancient than his own waitson him as cup-bearer, one whose race built up the throne his fatherfills," and she pointed to Rames, who stood near by holding the vaseof wine. "Why, then, should not Egypt's queen seek to please our royalguest as best she may--since she has no other gift to give him?"

Then in the dead silence which followed this bold speech, whereof nonecould mistake the meaning, Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, rose fromher seat. Pressing the ivory harp against her young breast, she bentover it, her head crowned with the crown of Upper Egypt whereonglistened the royal /urĉus/, a snake about to strike, and swept thewell-tuned strings.

Such magic was in her touch that instantly all else was forgotten,even the Pharaoh leaned back in his golden chair to listen. Softly shestruck at first, then by slow degrees ever louder till the music ofthe harp rang through the pillared hall. Now, at length, she lifted upher heavenly voice and began to sing in a strain so wild and sweetthat it seemed to pierce to the watching stars.

It was a sad and ancient love-tale that she sang, which told how apriestess of Hathor of high degree loved and was beloved by a simplescribe whom she might not wed. It told how the scribe, maddened by hispassion, crept at night into the very sanctuary of the temple hopingto find her there, and for his sacrilege was slain by the angrygoddess. It told how the beautiful priestess, coming alone to makeprayer in the sanctuary for strength to resist her love, stumbled overthe lover's corpse and, knowing it, died of grief. It told how Hathor,goddess of love, melted by the piteous sight, breathed back life intotheir nostrils, and since they might not remain upon earth, waftedthem to the Under-world, where they awoke and embraced and dwell onfor ever and for aye, triumphant and rejoicing.

All had heard this old, old story, but none had ever heard it sodivinely sung. As Tua's pure and lovely voice floated over them thelisteners seemed to see that lover, daring all in his desire, creepinto the solemn sanctuary of the temple. They saw Hathor appear in herwrath and smite him cold in death. They saw the beauteous priestesswith her lamp, and heard her wail her life away upon her darling'scorpse; saw, too, the dead borne by spirits over the borders of theworld.

Then came that last burst of music thrilling and divine, and its rich,passionate notes seemed to open the heavens to their sight. There inthe deep sky they perceived the awakening of the lovers and theirembrace of perfect joy, and when a glory hid them, heard thevictorious chant of the priestess of love sighing itself away, faintand ever fainter, till at length its last distant echoes died in theutter silence of the place of souls.

Tua ceased her music. Resting her still quivering harp upon the board,she sank back in her chair of state, outworn, trembling, while in herpale face the blue eyes shone like stars. There was stillness in thehall; the spell of that magical voice lay on the listeners; noneapplauded, it seemed even that none dared to move, for men rememberedthat this wonderful young Queen was said to be daughter of Amen,Master of the world, and thought that it had been given to them tohearken, not to a royal maiden, but to a goddess of the skies.

Quiet they sat as though sleep had smitten them, only every man oftheir number stared at the sweet pale face and at those radiant eyes.Drunk with passion and with wine, Amathel, Prince of Kesh, leaned hisheavy head upon his hand and stared like the rest. But those eyes didnot stay on him. Had he been a stone they could not have noted himless; they passed over him seeking something beyond.

Slowly he turned to see what it might be at which the Morning Star ofAmen gazed, and perceived that the young captain who waited on him, hewho was said to be of a race more ancient and purer than his own, hewhose house had reigned in the Southern Land when his ancestors werebut traffickers in gold, was also gazing at this royal singer. Yes, hebent forward to gaze as though a spell drew him, a spell, or the eyesof the Queen, and there was that upon his face which even a drunkenNubian could not fail to understand.

In the hands of Rames was the tall, golden vase of wine, and asAmathel thrust back his chair its topmost ivory bar struck the foot ofthe vase and tilted it, so that the red wine poured in a torrent overthe Prince's head and gorgeous robes, staining him from his crest ofplumes to his feet as though with blood. Up sprang the Prince of Keshroaring with fury.

"Dog-descended slave!" he shouted. "Hog-headed brother of swine, is itthus that you wait upon my Royalty?" and with the cup in his hand hesmote Rames on the face, then drew the sword at his side to kill him.

But Rames also wore a sword, that sword hafted with the goldencrocodile which Pharaoh had given him long ago--that sword which Astithe foresighted had seen red with royal blood. With a wild, low cry hesnatched it from its sheath, and to avoid the blow that Amathel struckat him before he could guard himself, sprang backwards from the daisto the open space in the hall that had been left clear for thedancers. After him leapt Amathel calling him "Coward," and nextinstant the pillars echoed, not with Tua's music but with the sternringing of bronze upon bronze.

Now in their fear and amaze men looked up to Pharaoh, waiting hisword, but Pharaoh, overcome by the horror of the scene, appeared tohave swooned; at least, he lay back in his chair with his eyes shutlike one asleep. Then they looked to the Queen, but Tua made no sign,only with parted lips and heaving breast watched, watched and waitedfor the end.

As for Rames he forgot everything save that he, a soldier and a nobleof royal race, had been struck across the mouth by a black Nubian whocalled himself a prince. His blood boiled up in him, and through a redhaze as it were, he saw Tua's glorious eyes beckoning him on to avictory. He saw and sprang as springs the lion of the desert, sprangstraight at the throat of Amathel. The blow went high, an ostrichplume floated to the ground--no more, and Amathel was a sturdy fighterand had the strength of madness. Moreover, his was the longer weapon;it fell upon the scales of armour of Rames and beat him back, it fellagain on his shoulder and struck him to his knee. It fell a thirdtime, and glancing from the mail wounded him in the thigh so that theblood flowed. Now a soldier of Pharaoh's guard shouted to encouragehis captain, and the Nubians shouted back, crying to their prince toslit the hog's throat.

Then Rames seemed to awake. He leapt from his knees, he smote and theblow went home, though the iron which the Nubian wore beneath his robestayed it. He smote again more fiercely, and now it was the blood ofAmathel that flowed. Then bending almost to the ground before theanswering stroke, he leapt and thrust with all the strength of younglimbs trained to war. He thrust and behold! between the broadshoulders of Amathel pierced from breast to back, appeared the pointof the Egyptian's sword. For a moment the prince stood still, then hefell backwards heavily and lay dead.

Now, with a shout of rage the giants of the Nubian guard rushed atRames to avenge their master's death, so that he must fly backwardsbefore their spears, backwards into the ranks of the Pharaoh's guard.In a flash the Nubians were on them also and, how none could tell, afearful fray began, for these soldiers hated each other, as theirfathers had done before them, and there were none who could comebetween them, since at this feast no man bore weapons save the guards.Fierce was the battle, but the Nubians lacked a captain while Ramesled veterans of Thebes picked for their valour.

The giants began to give. Here and there they fell till at length butthree of them were left upon their feet, who threw down their arms andcried for mercy. Then it was for the first time that Rames understoodwhat he had done. With bent head, his red sword in his hand, heclimbed the dais and knelt before the throne of Pharaoh, saying:

"I have avenged my honour and the honour of Egypt. Slay me, OPharaoh!"

But Pharaoh made no answer for his swoon still held him.

Then Rames turned to Tua and said:

"Pharaoh sleeps, but in your hand is the sceptre. Slay me, O Queen!"

Now Tua, who all this while had watched like one frozen into stone,seemed to thaw to life again. Her danger was past. She could never beforced to wed that coarse, black-souled Nubian, for Rames had killedhim. Yonder he lay dead in all his finery with his hideous giantsabout him like fallen trees, and oh! in her rebellious human heart sheblessed Rames for the deed.

But as she, who was trained in statecraft, knew well enough, if he hadescaped the sword of Prince Amathel, it was but to fall into a perilfrom which there seemed to be no escape. This dead prince was the heirof a great king, of a king so great that for a century Egypt had daredto make no war upon his country, for it was far away, well-fortifiedand hard to come at across deserts and through savage tribes.Moreover, the man had been slain at a feast in Pharaoh's Court, and byan officer of Pharaoh's guard, which afterwards had killed his escortunder the eyes of Egypt's monarchs, the hand of one of whom he soughtin marriage. Such a deed must mean a bitter war for Egypt, and tothose who struck the blow--death, as Rames himself knew well.

Tua looked at him kneeling before her, and her heart ached. Fiercely,despairingly she thought, throwing her soul afar to seek out wisdomand a way of escape for Rames. Presently in the blackness of her mindthere arose a plan and, as ever was her fashion, she acted swiftly.Lifting her head she commanded that the doors should be locked andguarded so that none might go in or out, and that those physicians whowere amongst the company should attend to the wounded, and to Pharaoh,who was ill. Then she called the High Council of the Kingdom, all ofwhom were gathered there about her, and spoke in a cold, calm voice,while the company flocked round to listen.

"Lords and people," she said, "the gods for their own purposes havesuffered a fearful thing to come to pass. Egypt's guest and his guardhave been slain before Egypt's kings, yes, at their feast and in theirvery presence, and it will be said far and wide that this has beendone by treachery. Yet you know well, as I do, that it was notreachery, but a mischance. The divine prince who is dead, as all ofyou saw, grew drunken after the fashion of his people, and in hisdrunkenness he struck a high-born man, a Count of Egypt and an officerof Pharaoh, who to do him greater honour was set to wait upon him,calling him by vile names, and drew his sword upon him to kill him. AmI right? Did you see and hear these things?"

"Aye," answered the Council and the audience.

"Then," went on Tua, "this officer, forgetting all save his outragedhonour, dared to fight for his life even against the Prince of Kesh,and being the better man, slew him. Afterwards the servants of thePrince of Kesh attacked him and Pharaoh's guard, and were conqueredand the most of them killed, since none here had arms wherewith topart them. Have I spoken truth?"

"Yea, O Queen," they answered again by their spokesman. "Rames and theroyal guard have little blame in the matter," and from the rest ofthem rose a murmur of assent.

"Now," went on Tua with gathering confidence, for she felt that allsaw with her eyes, "to add to our woes Pharaoh, my father, has beensmitten by the gods. He sleeps; he cannot speak; I know not whether hewill live or die, and therefore it would seem that I, the duly-crownedQueen of Egypt, must act for him as was provided in such a case, sincethe matter is very urgent and may not be delayed. Is it your will,"she added, addressing the Council, "that I should so act as the godsmay show me how to do?"

"It is right and fitting," answered the Vizier, the King's companion,on behalf of all of them.

"Then, priests, lords and people," continued the Queen, "what courseshall we take in this sore strait? Speaking with the voice of all ofyou and on your behalf, I can command that the Count Rames and allthose other chosen men whom Pharaoh loves, who fought with him, shallbe slain forthwith. This, indeed," she added slowly, "I should wish todo, since although Rames had suffered intolerable insult such as nohigh-born man can be asked to bear even from a prince, and he and allof them were but fighting to save their lives and to show the Nubiansthat we are not cowards here in Egypt, without doubt they haveconquered and slain the heir of Kesh and his black giants who were ourguests, and for this deed their lives are forfeit."

She paused watching, while although here and there a voice answered"Yes" or "They must die," from the rest arose a murmur of dissent. Forin their hearts the company were on the side of Rames and Pharaoh'sguards. Moreover, they were proud of the young captain's skill andcourage, and glad that the Nubians, whom they hated with an ancienthate, had been defeated by the lesser men of Egypt, some of whom weretheir friends or relatives.

Now, while they argued among themselves Tua rose from her chair andwent to look at Pharaoh, whom the physicians were attending, chafinghis hands and pouring water on his brow. Presently she returned withtears standing in her beautiful eyes, for she loved her father, andsaid in a heavy voice:

"Alas! Pharaoh is very ill. Set the evil has smitten him, and it ishard, my people, that he perchance may be taken from us and we mustbear such woe, because of the ill behaviour of a royal foreigner, forI cannot forget that it was he who caused this tumult."

The audience agreed that it was very hard, and looked angrily at thesurviving Nubians, but Tua, conquering herself, continued:

"We must bear the blows that the fates rain on us, nor suffer ourprivate grief to dull the sword of justice. Now, as I have said, eventhough we love them as our brothers or our husbands, yet the CountRames and his brave comrades should perish by a death of shame, such adeath as little befits the flower of Pharaoh's guard."

Again she paused, then went on in the midst of an intense silence, foreven the physicians ceased from their work to hearken to her decree,as supreme judge of Egypt.

"And yet, and yet, my people, even as I was about to pass sentenceupon them, uttering the doom that may not be recalled, some guardianspirit of our land sent a thought into my heart, on which I think itright to take your judgment. If we destroy these men, as I desire todestroy them, will they not say in the Southern Country and in all thenations around, that first they had been told to murder the Prince ofKesh and his escort, and then were themselves executed to cover up ourcrime? Will it not be believed that there is blood upon the hands ofPharaoh and of Egypt, the blood of a royal guest who, it is wellknown, was welcomed here with love and joy, that he might--oh! forgiveme, I am but a maiden, I cannot say it. Nay, pity me not and answernot till I have set out all the case as best I may, which I fear me isbut ill. It is certain that this will be said--aye, and believed, andwe of Egypt all called traitors, and that these men, who after all,however evil has been their deed, are brave and upright, will bewritten in all the books of all the lands as common murderers, and godown to Osiris with that ill name branded on their brows. Yes, andtheir shame will cling to the pure hands of Pharaoh and hiscouncillors."

Now at this picture the people murmured, and some of the noble womenthere began to weep outright.

"But," proceeded Tua with her pleading voice, "how if we were to takeanother course? How if we commanded this Count Rames and hiscompanions to journey, with an escort such as befits the Majesty ofPharaoh, to the far city of Napata, and there to lay before the greatking of that land by writings and the mouths of witnesses, all the sadstory of the death of his only son? How if we sent letters to thisMajesty of Kesh, saying, 'Thou hast heard our tale, thou knowest allour woe. Now judge. If thou art noble-hearted and it pleases thee toacquit these men, acquit them and we will praise thee. But if thou artwroth and stern and it pleases thee to condemn these men, condemnthem, and send them back to us for punishment, that punishment whichthou dost decree.' Is that plan good, my people? Can his Majesty ofKesh complain if he is made judge in his own cause? Can the kings andcaptains of other lands then declare that in Egypt we work murder onour guests? Tell me, who have so little wisdom, if this plan is good,as I dare to say to you, it seems to me."

Now with one voice the Council and all the guests, and especially theguards themselves who were on their trial, save Rames, who still kneltin silence before the Queen, cried out that it was very good. Yes;they clapped their hands and shouted, vowing to each other that thisyoung Queen of theirs was the Spirit of Wisdom come to earth, and thather excellent person was filled with the soul of a god.

But she frowned at their praises and, holding up her sceptre, sternlycommanded silence.

"Such is your decree, O my Council," she cried, "and the decree of allyou here present, who are the noblest of my people, and I, as I ambound by my oath of crowning, proclaim and ratify it, I, Neter-Tua,who am named Star and Daughter of Amen, who am named Glorious in Ra,who am named Hathor, Strong in Beauty, who am crowned Queen of theUpper and the Lower Land. I proclaim--write it down, O Scribes, andlet it be registered this night that the decree may stand while theworld endures--that two thousand of the choicest troops of Egypt shallsail up Nile, forthwith, for Kesh, and that in command of them, sothat all may know his crime, shall go the young Count Rames, and withhim those others who also did the deed of blood."

Now at this announcement, which sounded more like promotion thandisgrace, some started and Rames looked up, quivering in all hislimbs.

"I proclaim," went on Tua quickly, "that when they are come to Napatathey shall kneel before its king and submit themselves to the judgmentof his Majesty, and having been judged, shall return and report to usthe judgment of his Majesty, that it may be carried out as his Majestyof Kesh shall appoint. Let the troops and the ships be made ready thisvery night, and meanwhile, save when he appears before us to take hisorders as general, in token of our wrath, we banish the Count Ramesfrom our Court and Presence, and place his companions under guard."

So spoke Tua, and the royal decree having been written down swiftlyand read aloud, she sealed and signed with her sign-manual as Queen,that it might not be changed or altered, and commanded that copies ofit should be sent to all the Governors of the Nomes of Egypt, and aduplicate prepared and despatched with this royal embassy, for so shenamed it, to be delivered to the King of Kesh with the letters ofcondolence, and the presents of ceremony, and the body of Amathel, thePrince of Kesh, now divine in Osiris.

Then, at length, the doors were thrown open and the company dispersed,Rames and the guard being led away by the Council and placed in safekeeping. Also Pharaoh, still senseless but breathing quietly, wascarried to his bed, and the dead were taken to the embalmers, whilstTua, so weary that she could scarcely walk, departed to her chambersleaning on the shoulder of the royal Nurse, Asti, the mother of Rames.

CHAPTER VI

THE OATH OF RAMES AND OF TUA

Still robed Tua lay upon a couch, for she would not seek her bed,while Asti stood near to her, a dark commanding figure.

"Very strange, Nurse. You see, the gods and that troublesome son ofyours and Pharaoh's sudden sickness threw the strings of Fate into myhand, and--I pulled them. I always had a fancy for the pulling ofstrings, but the chance never came my way before."

"It seems to me that for a beginner your Majesty pulled somewhathard," said Asti drily.

"Yes, Nurse, so hard that I think I have pulled your son off thescaffold into a place of some honour, if he knows how to stay there,though it was the Council and the lords and the ladies, who thoughtthat /they/ pulled. You see one must commence as one means to go on."

"Your Majesty is very clever; you will make a great Queen--if you donot overpull yourself."

"Not half so clever as you were, Asti, when you made that monkey comeout of the vase," answered Tua, laughing somewhat hysterically. "Oh!do not look innocent, I know it was your magic, for I could feel itpassing over my head. How did you do it, Asti?"

"If your Majesty will tell me how you made the lords of Egypt consentto the sending of an armed expedition to Napata under the command of alad, a mere captain who had just killed its heir-apparent before theireyes, which decree, if I know anything of Rames, will mean a warbetween Kesh and Egypt, I will tell you how I made the monkey come outof the vase."

"Then I shall never learn, Nurse, for I can't because I don't know. Itcame into my mind, as music comes into my throat, that is all. Ramesshould have been beheaded at once, shouldn't he, for not letting thatblack boar tusk him? Do you think he poured the wine over Amathel'shead on purpose?" and again she laughed.

"Yes, I suppose that he should have been killed, as he would have beenif your Majesty had not chanced to be so fond----"

"Talking of wine," broke in Tua, "give me a cup of it. The divinePrince of Kesh who was to have been my husband--did you understand,Asti, that they really meant to make that black barbarian my husband?--I say that the divine Prince, who now sups with Osiris, drank somuch that I could not touch a drop, and I am tired and thirsty, andhave still some things to do to-night."

Asti went to a table where stood a flagon of wine wreathed in vineleaves, and by it cups of glass, and filling one of them brought it toTua.

"Here's to the memory of the divine prince, and may he have left thetable of Osiris before I come there. And here's to the hand that senthim thither," said Tua recklessly. Then she drained the wine, everydrop of it, and threw the cup to the marble floor where it shatteredinto bits.

"One that knows his own mind, I think," replied Tua. "There, I feelstrong again, I go to visit Pharaoh. Come with me, Asti."

When Tua arrived at the bedside of Pharaoh she found that the worst ofthe danger was over. Fearing for his life the physicians had bled him,and now the fit had passed away and his eyes were open, although hewas unable to speak and did not know her or anyone. She asked whetherhe would live or die, and was told that he would live, or so hisdoctors believed, but that for a long while he must lie quite quiet,seeing as few people as possible, and above all being troubled with nobusiness, since, if he were wearied or excited, the fit wouldcertainly return and kill him. So, rejoicing at this news which wasbetter than she had expected, Tua kissed her father and left him.

"Now will your Majesty go to bed?" asked Asti when she had returned toher own apartments.

"By no means," answered Tua, "I wear Pharaoh's shoes and have muchbusiness left to do to-night. Summon Mermes, your husband."

So Mermes came and stood before her. He was still what he had been inthe old days when Tua played as an infant in his house, stern, noble-looking and of few words, but now his hair had grown white and hisface was drawn with grief, both for the sake of Rames, whose hot bloodhad brought him into so much danger, and because Pharaoh, who was hisfriend, lay between life and death.

Tua looked at him and loved him more than ever, for now that he wastroubled some new likeness to Rames appeared upon his face which shehad never seen before.

"Take heart, noble Mermes," she said gently, "they say that Pharaohstays with us yet a while."

"I thank Amen," he answered, "for had he died, his blood would havebeen upon the hands of my House."

"Not so, Mermes; it would have been upon the hands of the gods. Youspring from a royal line; say, what would you have thought of your sonif after being struck by that fat Nubian, he had cowered at his feetand prayed for his life like any slave?"

Mermes flushed and smiled a little, then said:

"The question is rather---What would you have thought, O Queen?"

"I?" answered Tua. "Well, as a queen I should have praised him much,since then Egypt would have been spared great trouble, but as a womanand a friend I should never have spoken to him again. Honour is morethan life, Mermes."

"Certainly honour is more than life," replied Mermes, staring at theceiling, perhaps to hide the look upon his face, "and for a littlewhile Rames seems to be in the way of it. But those who are set highhave far to fall, O Queen, and--forgive me--he is my only child. Nowwhen Pharaoh recovers----"

"Rames will be far away," broke in Tua. "Go, bring him here at once,and with him the Vizier and the chief scribe of the Council. Take thisring, it will open all doors," and she drew the signet from her fingerand handed it to him.

"At this hour, your Majesty?" said Mermes in a doubtful voice.

"Have I not spoken," she answered impatiently. "When the welfare ofEgypt is at stake I do not sleep."

So Mermes bowed and went, and while he was gone Tua caused Asti tosmooth her hair and change her robe and ornaments for others which,although she did not say so, she thought became her better. Then shesat her down in a chair of state in her chamber of audience, andwaited, while Asti stood beside her asking no questions, butwondering.

At length the doors were opened, and through them appeared Mermes andthe Vizier and the chief of the scribes, both of them trying to hidetheir yawns, for they had been summoned from their beds who were notwont to do state business at such hours. After them limped Rames, forhis wound had grown stiff, who looked bewildered, but otherwise justas he had left the feast.

Now, without waiting for the greetings of ceremony, Tua began toquestion the Vizier as to what steps had been taken in furtherance ofher decrees, and when he assured her that the business was on foot,went into its every detail with him, as to the ships and the officersand the provisioning of the men, and so forth. Next she set herself todictate despatches to the captains and barons who held the fortresseson the Upper Nile, communicating to them Pharaoh's orders on thismatter, and the commission of Rames, whereby he, whose hands had donethe ill, was put in command of the great embassy that went to makeamends.

These being finished, she sent away the scribe to spend the rest ofthe night in writing them in duplicate, bidding him bring them to herin the early morning to be sealed. Next addressing Rames, shecommanded him to start on the morrow with those troops which wereready to Takensit above the first Cataract of the Nile, which was thefrontier fortress of Egypt, and there wait until the remainder of thesoldiers joined them, bearing with them her presents to the King ofKesh, and the embalmed body of the Prince Amathel.

Rames bowed and said that her orders should be obeyed, and theaudience being finished, still bowing and supported by Mermes, beganto walk backwards towards the door, his eyes fixed upon the face ofTua, who sat with bent head, clasping the arms of her chair like onein difficulty and doubt. When he had gone a few steps she seemed tocome to some determination, for with an effort she raised herself andsaid:

"Return, Count Rames, I have a message to give you for the King ofKesh who, unhappy man, has lost his son and heir, and it is one thatno other ears must hear. Leave me a while with this captain, O Mermesand Asti, and see that none listen to our talk. Presently I willsummon you to conduct him away."

They hesitated, for this thing seemed strange, then noting the lookshe gave them, departed through the doors behind the royal seat.

Now Rames and the Queen were left alone in that great, lightedchamber. With bent head and folded arms he stood before her while shelooked at him intently, yet seemed to find no words to say. At lengthshe spoke in a sweet, low voice.

"It is many years since we were playmates in the courts of the templeyonder, and since then we have never been alone together, have we,Rames?"

"No, Great Lady," answered Rames, "for you were born to be a queen,and I am but a humble soldier who cannot hope to consort with queens."

"Who cannot hope! Would you wish to then if you could?"

"O Queen," answered Rames, biting his lips, "why does it please you tomake a mock of me?"

"It does not please me to do any such thing, for by my father Amen,Rames, I wish that we were children once more, for those were happydays before they separated us and set you to soldiering and me tostatecraft."

"You have learnt your part well, Star of the Morning," said Rames,glancing at her quickly.

"Not better than you, playmate Rames, if I may judge from your sword-play this night. So it seems that we both of us are in the way ofbecoming masters of our trades."

"What am I to say to your Majesty? You have saved my life when it wasforfeit----"

"As once you saved mine when it was forfeit, and at greater risk. Lookat your hand, it will remind you. It was but tit for tat. And, friendRames, this day I came near to being eaten by a worse crocodile thanthat which dwells in the pool yonder."

"I guessed as much, Queen, and the thought made me mad. Had it notbeen for that I should only have thrown him down. Now that crocodilewill eat no more maidens."

"No," answered Tua, rubbing her chin, "he has gone to be eaten by Set,Devourer of Souls, has he not? But I think there may be troublebetween Egypt and Kesh, and what Pharaoh will say when he recovers Iam sure I do not know. May the gods protect me from his wrath."

"Tell me, if it pleases your Majesty, what is my fate? I have beennamed General of this expedition over the heads of many, I who am buta captain and a young man and an evil-doer. Am I to be killed on thejourney, or am I to be executed by the King of Kesh?"

"If any kill you on the journey, Rames, they shall render me anaccount, be it the gods themselves, and as for the vengeance of theKing of Kesh--well, you will have two thousand picked men with you andthe means to gather more as you go. Listen now, for this is not in thedecree or in the letters," she added, bending towards him andwhispering. "Egypt has spies in Kesh, and, being industrious, I haveread their reports. The people there hate the upstart race that rulesthem, and the king, who alone is left now that Amathel is dead, is oldand half-witted, for all that family drink too much. So if the worstcomes to the worst, do you think that you need be killed, you," sheadded meaningly, "who, if the House of Amathel were not, would bydescent be King of Kesh, as, if I and my House were not, you might bePharaoh of Egypt?"

Rames studied the floor for a little, then looked up and asked:

"What shall I do?"

"It seems that is for you to find out," replied Tua, in her turnstudying the ceiling. "Were I in your place, I think that, if drivento it, /I/ should know what to do. One thing, however, I should /not/do. Whatever may be the judgment of the divine King of Kesh upon you,and that can easily be guessed, I should not return to Egypt with myescort, until I was quite sure of my welcome. No, I think that Ishould stop in Napata, which I am told is a rich and pleasant city,and try to put its affairs in order, trusting that Egypt, to which itonce belonged, would in the end forgive me for so doing."

"Good, and of course there are no witnesses to this talk of ours. Haveyou also been taking lessons in statecraft in your spare hours, Rames,much as I have tried to learn something of the art of war?"

Rames made no answer, only these two strange conspirators looked ateach other and smiled.

"Your Majesty is weary. I must leave your Majesty," he said presently.

"You must be wearier than I am, Rames, with that wound, which I thinkhas not been dressed, although it is true that we have both foughtto-night. Rames, you are going on a far journey. I wonder if we shallever meet again."

"I do not know," he answered with a groan, "but for my sake it isbetter that we should not. O Morning Star, why did you save me thisnight, who would have been glad to die? Did not that Ka of yours tellyou that I should have been glad to die, or my mother, who is amagician?"

"I have seen nothing of my Ka, Rames, since we played together in thetemple--ah! those were happy days, were they not? And your mother is adiscreet lady who does not talk to me about you, except to warn me notto show you any favour, lest others should be jealous and murder you.Shall you then be sorry if we do not meet again? Scarcely, I suppose,since you seem so anxious to die and be rid of me and all things thatwe know."

Now Rames pressed his hand upon his heart as though to still itsbeating, and looked round him in despair. For, indeed, that heart ofhis felt as though it must burst.

"Tua," he gasped desperately, "can you for a minute forget that youare Queen of the Upper and the Lower Land, who perhaps will soon bePharaoh, the mightiest monarch in the world, and remember only thatyou are a woman, and as a woman hear a secret and keep it close?"

"We have been talking secrets, Rames, as we used to do, you remember,long ago, and you will not tell mine which deal with the State. Why,then, should I tell yours? But be short, it grows late, or ratherearly, and as you know, we shall not meet again."

"What of that, Rames? I have millions of subjects who all profess tolove me."

He waved his hand angrily, and went on:

"I dare to love you as a man loves a woman, not as a subject loves aqueen."

"Ah!" she answered in a new and broken voice, "that is different, isit not? Well, all women love to be loved, though some are queens andsome are peasants, so why should I be angry? Rames, now, as in pastdays, I thank you for your love."

"It is not enough," he said. "What is the use of giving love? Loveshould be lent. Love is an usurer that asks high interest. Nay, notthe interest only, but the capital and the interest to boot. Oh, Star!what happens to the man who is so mad as to love the Queen of Egypt?"

Tua considered this problem as though it were a riddle to which shewas seeking an answer.

"Who knows?" she replied at length in a low voice. "Perhaps it costshim his life, or perhaps--perhaps he marries her and becomes Pharaohof Egypt. Much might depend on whether the queen chanced to care aboutsuch a man."

Now Rames shook like a reed in the evening wind, and he looked at herwith glowing eyes.

"Tua," he whispered, "can it be possible--do you mean that I amwelcome to you, or are you but drawing me to shame and ruin?"

She made no answer to him in words, only with a certain gravedeliberation, laid down the little ivory sceptre that she held, andsuffering her troubled eyes to rest upon his eyes, bent forward andstretched out her arms towards him.

"Yes, Rames," she murmured into his ear a minute later, "I am drawingyou to whatever may be found upon this breast of mine, love, ormajesty, or shame, or ruin, or the death of one or both of us, or allof them together. Are you content to take the chances of this highgame, Rames?"

"Ask it not, Tua. You know, you know!"

She kissed him on the lips, and all her heart and all her youth werein that kiss. Then, gently enough, she pushed him from her, saying:

"Stand there, I would speak with you, and as I have said, the time isshort. Hearken to me, Rames, you are right; I know, as I have alwaysknown, and as you would have known also had you been less foolish thanyou are. You love me and I love you, for so it was decreed where soulsare made, and so it has been from the beginning and so it shall be tothe end. You, a gentleman of Egypt, love the Queen of Egypt, and sheis yours and no other man's. Such is the decree of him who caused usto be born upon the same day, and to be nursed upon the same kindbreast. Well, after all, why not? If love brings death upon us, aswell may chance, at least the love will remain which is worth it all,and beyond death there is something."

"Only this, Tua, I seek the woman not a throne, and alas! through meyou may be torn from your high place."

"The throne goes with the woman, Rames, they cannot be separated. But,say, something comes over me; if that happened, if I were an outcast,a wanderer, with nothing save this shape and soul of mine, and it wereyou that sat upon a throne, would you still love me, Rames?"

A change fell upon her at his words. She ceased to be the melting,passionate woman, and became once more the strong, far-seeing queen.

"Rames," she said, "you understand why, although it tears my heart, Iam sending you so far away and into so many dangers, do you not? It isto save your life, for after what has chanced to-night in this fashionor in that here you would certainly die, as, had it not been for thatplan of mine you must have died two hours ago. There are many who hateyou, Rames, and Pharaoh may recover, as I pray the gods he will, andover-ride my will, for you have slain his guest who was brought hereto marry me."

"I understand all of these things, Queen."

"Then awake, Rames, look to the future and understand that also, if,as I think, you have the wit. I am sending you with a strong escort,am I not? Well, that King of Kesh is old and feeble, and you have aclaim upon his crown. Take it, man, and set it on your head, and asKing of Kesh ask the hand of Egypt's Queen in marriage. Then who wouldsay you nay--not Egypt's Queen, I think, or the people of Egypt whohunger for the rich Southern Land which they have lost."

So she spoke, and as these high words passed her lips she looked sosplendid and so royal that, dazzled by the greatness of her majesty.Rames bowed himself before her as before the presence of a god. Then,aware that she was trying him in the balance of her judgment, hestraightened himself and spoke to her as prince speaks to prince.

"Star of Amen," he said, "it is true that though here we are but yourhumble subjects, the blood of my father and of myself is as high asyours, and perhaps more ancient, and it is true that now yonderAmathel is dead, after my father, in virtue of those who went beforeus I have more right than any other to the inheritance of Kesh. Queen,I hear your words, I will take it if I can, not for its own sake, butto win you, and if I fail you will know that I died doing my best.Queen, we part and this is a far journey. Perhaps we may never meetagain; at the best we must be separated for long. Queen, you havehonoured me with your love, and therefore I ask a promise of you, notas a woman only, but as Queen. I ask that however strait may be thecircumstances, whatever reasons of State may push you on, while I liveyou will take no other man to husband--no, not even if he offers youhalf the world in dower."

"I give it," she answered. "If you should learn that I am wed to anyman upon the earth then spit upon my name as a woman, and as Queencast me off and overthrow me if you can. Deal with me, Rames, as insuch a case I will deal with you. Only be sure of your tidings ere youbelieve them. Now there is nothing more to say. Farewell to you,Rames, till we meet again beneath or beyond the sun. Our royal pact ismade. Come, seal it and begone."

She rose and stretched out her sceptre to him, which he kissed as herfaithful subject. Next, with a swift movement, she lifted the golden/urĉus/ circlet from her brow and for a moment set it on his head,crowning him her king, and while it rested there she, the Queen ofEgypt, bent the knee before him and did him homage. Then she cast downcrown and sceptre, and as woman fell upon her lover's breast while thebright rays of morning, flowing suddenly through the eastern window-place of that splendid hall, struck upon them both, clothing them in arobe of glory and of flame.

Soon, very soon, it was done and Tua, seated there in light, watchedRames depart into the outer shadow, wondering when and how she wouldsee him come again. For her heart was heavy within her, and even inthis hour of triumphant love she greatly feared the future and itsgifts.

CHAPTER VII

TUA COMES TO MEMPHIS

So that day Rames departed for Takensit with what ships and men couldbe got together in such haste. There, at the frontier post, he waitedtill the rest of the soldiers should join him, bringing with them thehastily embalmed body of Prince Amathel whom he had slain, and theroyal gifts to the King of Kesh. Then, without a moment's delay, hesailed southwards with his little army on the long journey, fearinglest if he tarried, orders might come to him to return to Thebes. Alsohe desired to reach Napata before the heavy news of the death of theKing's son, and without warning of the approach of Egypt's embassy.

With Tua he had no more speech, although as his galley was rowed underthe walls of the palace, at a window of the royal apartments he saw awhite draped figure that watched them go by. It was standing in theshadow so that he could not recognise the face, but his heart told himthat this was none other than the Queen herself, who appeared there tobid him farewell.

So Rames rose from the chair in which he was seated on account of thehurt to his leg and saluted with his sword, and ordered the crew to dolikewise by lifting up their oars. Then the slender figure bowed inanswer, and he went on to fulfil his destiny, leaving Neter-Tua,Morning Star of Amen, to fulfil hers.

Before he sailed, however, Mermes his father and Asti his mothervisited him in a place apart.

"You were born under a strange star, my son," said Mermes, "and I knownot whither it will lead you, who pray that it may not be a meteorwhich blazes suddenly in the heavens and disappears to return no more.All the people talk of the favour the Queen has shown you who, insteadof ordering you to be executed for the deed you did which robbed herof a royal husband, has set you in command of an army, you, a mereyouth, and received you in secret audience, an honour granted to veryfew. Fate that has passed me by gives the dice to your young hand, buthow the cast will fall I know not, nor shall I live to see, or so Ibelieve."

"Speak no such evil-omened words, my father," answered Rames tenderly,for these two loved each other. "To me it seems more likely that it isI who shall not live, for this is a strange and desperate venture uponwhich I go, to tell to a great king the news of the death of his onlyson at my own hand. Mother, you are versed in the books of wisdom andcan see that which is hidden to our eyes. Have you no word of comfortfor us?"

"My son," answered Asti, "I have searched the future, but with all myskill it will open little of its secrets to my sight. Yet I havelearned something. Great fortunes lie before you, and I believe thatyou and I shall meet again. But to your beloved father bid farewell."

At these words Rames turned his head aside to hide his tears, butMermes bade him not to grieve, saying:

"Great is the mystery of our fates, my son. Some there be who tell usthat we are but bubbles born of the stream to be swallowed up by thestream, clouds born of the sky to be swallowed up by the sky, theoffspring of chance like the beasts and the birds, gnats that dancefor an hour in the sunlight and are gone. But I believe it not, whohold that the gods clothe us with this robe of flesh for their ownpurpose, and that the spirit within us has been from the beginning andeternally will be. Therefore I love not life and fear not death,knowing that these are but doors leading to the immortal house that isprepared for us. The royal blood you have came to you from your motherand myself, but that our lots should have been humble, while yours,mayhap, will be splendid, does not move me to envy who perchance havebeen that you may be. You go forth to fulfil your fortunes which Ibelieve are great, I bide here to fulfil mine which lead me to thetomb. I shall never see you in your power, if power comes to you, norwill your triumphant footsteps stir my sleep.

"Yet, Rames, remember that though you tread on cloth of gold and thebowed necks of your enemies, though love be your companion and diademsyour crown, though flatteries float about you like incense in a shrinetill, at length, you deem yourself a god, those footsteps of yoursstill lead to that same dark tomb and through it on to Judgment. Begreat if you can, but be good as well as great. Take no man's lifebecause you have the strength and hate him; wrong no woman because sheis defenceless or can be bought. Remember that the beggar childplaying in the sand may have a destiny more high than yours when allthe earthly count is reckoned. Remember that you share the air youbreathe with the cattle and the worm. Go your road rejoicing in yourbeauty and your youth and the good gifts that are given you, but know,Rames, that at the end of it I, who wait in the shadow of Osiris, Iyour father, shall ask an account thereof, and that beyond me standthe gods of Justice to test the web that you have woven. Now, Rames,my son, my blessing and the blessing of him who shaped us be with you,and farewell."

Then Mermes kissed him on the brow and, turning, left the room, nordid they ever meet again.

But Asti stayed awhile, and coming to him presently, looked Rames inthe eyes, and said:

"Mourn not. Separations are no new thing, death is no new thing; allthese sorrows have been on the earth for millions of years, and formillions of years yet shall be. Live out your life, rejoicing if thedays be good, content if they be but ill, regretting nothing save yoursins, fearing nothing, expecting nothing, since all things areappointed and cannot be changed."

"I hear," he answered humbly, "and I will not forget. Whether Isucceed or fail you shall not be ashamed for me."

Now his mother turned to go also, but paused and said:

"I have a gift for you, Rames, from one whose name may not be spoken."

"Give it to me," he said eagerly, "I feared that it was all but adream."

"Oh!" replied Asti scanning his face, "so there was a dream, wasthere? Did it fall upon you last night when the daughter of Amen, myfoster-child, instructed you in secret?"

"The gift," said Rames, stretching out his hand.

Then, smiling in her quiet fashion, his mother drew from the bosom ofher robe some object that was wrapped in linen and, touching herforehead with the royal seal that fastened it, gave it to Rames. Withtrembling fingers he broke the seal and there within the linen lay aring which for some years, as Rames knew, Tua had worn upon the firstfinger of her right hand. It was massive and of plain gold, and uponthe bezel of it was cut the symbol of the sun, on either side of whichknelt a man and a woman crowned with the double crown of Egypt, andholding in their right hands the looped Sign of Life which theystretched up towards the glory of the sun.

"Do you know who wore that ring in long past days?" asked Asti ofRames who pressed it to his lips.

He shook his head who remembered only that Tua had worn it.

"It was your forefather and mine, Rames, the last of the royal rulersof our line, who reigned over Egypt and also over the Land of Kesh. Awhile ago the embalmers re-clothed his divine body in the tomb, andthe Princess, who was present there with your father and myself, drewthis ring off his dead hand and offered it to Mermes, who would nottake it, seeing that it is a royal signet. So she wore it herself, andnow for her own reasons she sends it to you, perhaps to give youauthority in Kesh where that mighty seal is known."

"I thank the Queen," he murmured. "I shall wear it always."

"Then let it be on your breast till you have passed the frontier, lestsome should ask questions that you find it hard to answer. My son,"she went on quickly, "you dare to love this queen of ours."

"In truth I do, Mother. Did not you, who know everything, know that?Also it is your fault who brought us up together."

"Nay, my son, the fault of the gods who have so decreed. But--does shelove you?"

"You are always with her, Mother, ask her yourself, if you need toask. At least, she has sent me her own ring. Oh! Mother, Mother, guardher night and day, for if harm comes to her, then I die. Mother,queens cannot give themselves where they will as other women can; itis policy that thrusts their husbands on them. Keep her unwed, Mother.Though it should cost her her throne, still I say let her not be castinto the arms of one she hates. Protect her in her trial, if suchshould come; and if strength fails and the gods desert her, then hideher in the web of the magic that you have, and preserve her undefiled,for so shall I bless your name for ever."

"You fly at a rare bird, Rames, and there are many stronger hawksabout besides that one you slew; yes, royal eagles who may strike downthe pair of you. Yet I will do my best, who have long foreseen thishour, and who pray that before my eyes shut in death, they may yetbehold you seated on the throne of your forefathers, crowned withpower and with such love and beauty as have never yet been given toman. Now hide that ring upon your heart and your secret in it, as Ishall, lest you should return no more to Egypt. Moreover, follow yourroyal Star and no other. Whatever counsel she may have given you,follow it also, stirring not to right or left, for I say that in thatmaiden breast of hers there dwells the wisdom of the gods."

Then holding up her hands over his head as though in blessing, Asti,too, turned and left him.

So Rames went and was no more seen, and by degrees the talk as to thematter of his victory over the Prince of Kesh, and as to hisappointment by the whim of the maiden Queen to command the splendidembassy of atonement which she had despatched to the old King, thedead man's father, died away for lack of anything to feed on.

Tua kept her counsel well, nor was aught known of that midnightinterview with the young Count her general. Moreover, Napata was faraway, so far that starting at the season when it did, the embassycould scarce return till two years had gone by, if ever it did return.Also few believed that whoever came back, Rames would be one of them,since it was said openly that so soon as he was beyond the frontiersof Egypt, the soldiers had orders to kill him and take on his body asa peace-offering.

Indeed, all praised the wit and wisdom of the Queen, who by thispolitic device, had rid herself of a troublesome business with aslittle scandal as possible, and avoided staining her own hands in theblood of a foster-brother. Had she ordered his death forthwith, theysaid, it would have been supposed also that she had put him awaybecause he was of a royal race, one who, in the future, might prove arival, or at least cause some rebellion.

Meanwhile greater questions filled the mouths of men. Would Pharaohdie and leave Neter-Tua, the young and lovely, to hold his throne, andif so, what would happen? It was a thousand years since a woman hadreigned in Egypt, and none had reigned who were not wed. Therefore itseemed necessary that a husband should be found for her as soon asmight be.

But Pharaoh did not die. On the contrary, though very slowly, herecovered and was stronger than he had been for years, for the fitthat struck him down seemed to have cleared his blood. For some threemonths he lay helpless as a child, amusing himself as a child doeswith little things, and talking of children whom he had known in hisyouth, or when some of these chanced to visit him as old men, askingthem to play with him with tops or balls.

Then one day came a change, and rising from his bed he commanded thepresence of his Councillors, and when they came, inquired of them whathad happened, and why he could remember nothing since the feast.

They put him off with soft words, and soon he grew weary and dismissedthem. But after they had gone and he had eaten he sent for Mermes, theCaptain of the Guard of Amen and his friend, and questioned him.

"The last thing I remember," he said, "was seeing the drunken Princeof Kesh fighting with your son, that handsome, fiery-eyed Count Rameswhom some fool, or enemy, had set to wait upon him at table. It was adog's trick, Mermes, for after all your blood is purer and moreancient than that of the present kings of Kesh. Well, the horror ofthe sight of my royal guest, the suitor for my daughter's hand,fighting with an officer of my own guard at my own board, struck me asa butcher strikes an ox, and after it all was blackness. What chanced,Mermes?"

"This, Pharaoh: My son killed Amathel in fair fight, then those blackNubian giants in their fury attacked your guard, but led by Rames theEgyptians, though they were the lesser men, overcame them and slewmost of them. I am an old soldier, but never have I seen a finerfray----"

"A finer fray! A finer fray," gasped Pharaoh. "Why this will mean awar between Kesh and Egypt. And then? Did the Council order Rames tobe executed, as you must admit he deserved, although you are hisfather?"

"Not so, O Pharaoh; moreover, I admit nothing, though had he played acoward's part before all the lords of Egypt, gladly would I have slainhim with my own hand."

"Ah!" said Pharaoh, "there speaks the soldier and the parent. Well, Iunderstand. He was affronted, was he not, by that bedizened black man?Were I in your place I should say as much. But--what happened?"

"Your Majesty having become unconscious," explained Mermes, "herMajesty the Queen Neter-Tua, Glorious in Ra, took command of affairsaccording to her Oath of Crowning. She has sent an embassy ofatonement of two thousand picked soldiers to the King of Kesh, bearingwith them the embalmed body of the divine Amathel and many royalgifts."

"That is good enough in its way," said Pharaoh. "But why two thousandmen, whereof the cost will be very great, when a score would havesufficed? It is an army, not an embassy, and when my royal brother ofKesh sees it advancing, bearing with it the ill-omened gift of hisonly son's body, he may take alarm."

Mermes respectfully agreed that he might do so.

"What general is in command of this embassy, as it pleases you to callit?"

"The Count Rames, my son, is in command, your Majesty."

Now weak as he was still, Pharaoh nearly leapt from his chair:

"Rames! That young cut-throat who killed the Prince! Rames who is thelast of the old rightful dynasty of Kesh! Rames, a mere captain, incommand of two thousand of my veterans! Oh, I must still be mad! Whogave him the command?"

"The Queen Neter-Tua, Star of Amen, she gave him the command, OPharaoh. Immediately after the fray in the hall she uttered her decreeand caused it to be recorded in the usual fashion."

"Send for the Queen," said Pharaoh with a groan.

So Tua was summoned, and presently swept in gloriously arrayed, and onseeing her father sitting up and well, ran to him and embraced him andfor a long time refused to listen to his talk of matters of State. Atlength, however, he made her sit by him still holding his hand, andasked her why in the name of Amen she had sent that handsome youngfirebrand, Rames, in command of the expedition to Kesh. Then sheanswered very sweetly that she would tell him. And tell him she did,at such length that before she had finished, Pharaoh, whose strengthas yet was small, had fallen into a doze.

"Now, you understand," she said as he woke up with a start. "Theresponsibility was thrust upon me, and I had to act as I thought best.To have slain this young Rames would have been impossible, for allhearts were with him."

"But surely, Daughter, you might have got him out of the way."

"My father, that is what I have done. I have sent him to Napata, whichis very much out of the way--many months' journey, I am told."

"But what will happen, Tua? Either the King of Kesh will kill him andmy two thousand soldiers, or perhaps he will kill the King of Kesh ashe killed his son, and seize the throne which his own forefathers heldfor generations. Have you thought of that?"

"Yes, my father, I thought of it, and if this last should happenthrough no fault of ours, would Egypt weep, think you?"

Now Pharaoh stared at Tua, and Tua looked back at Pharaoh and smiled.

"I perceive, Daughter," he said slowly, "that in you are the makingsof a great queen, for within the silken scabbard of a woman's folly Isee the statesman's sword of bronze. Only run not too fast lest youshould fall upon that sword and it should pierce you."

Now Tua, who had heard such words before from Asti, smiled again butmade no answer.

"You need a husband to hold you back," went on Pharaoh; "some greatman whom you can love and respect."

"Find me such a man, my father, and I will wed him gladly," answeredTua in a sweet voice. "Only," she added, "I know not where he may besought now that the divine Amathel is dead at the hand of the CountRames, our general and ambassador to Kesh."

So when he grew stronger Pharaoh renewed his search for a husband meetto marry the Queen of Egypt. Now, as before, suitors were not lacking,indeed, his ambassadors and councillors sent in their names by twosand threes, but always when they were submitted to her, Tua foundsomething against everyone of them, till at last it was said that shemust be destined for a god since no mere mortal would serve her turn.But when this was reported to her, Tua only answered with a smile thatshe was destined to that royal lover of whom Amen had spoken to hermother in a dream; not to a god, but to the Chosen of the god, andthat when she saw him, she felt sure she would know him at once andlove him much.

After some months had gone by Pharaoh, quite weary of this play, askedthe advice of his Council. They suggested to him that he shouldjourney through the great cities of Egypt, both because the changemight completely re-establish his divine health, and in the hope thaton her travels the Queen Neter-Tua would meet someone of royal bloodwith whom she could fall in love. For by now it was evident to all ofthem that unless she did fall in love, she would not marry.

So that very night Pharaoh asked his daughter if she would undertakesuch a journey.

She answered that nothing would please her better, as she wearied ofThebes, and desired to see the other great cities of the land, to makeherself known to those who dwell in them, and in each to be proclaimedas its future ruler. Also she wished to look upon the ocean whereofshe had heard that it was so big that all the waters of the Nileflowing into it day and night made no difference to its volume.

Thus then began that pilgrimage which afterwards Tua recorded in thehistory of her reign on the walls of the wonderful temples that shebuilt. Her own wish was that they should sail south to the frontiersof Egypt, since there she hoped that she might hear some tidings ofRames and his expedition, whereof latterly no certain word had come.This project, however, was over-ruled because in the south there wereno great towns, also the inhabitants of the bordering desert wereturbulent, and might choose that moment to attack.

So in the end they went down and not up the Nile, tarrying for a whileat every great city, and especially at Atbu, the holy place where thehead of Osiris is buried, and tens of thousands of the great men ofEgypt have their tombs. Here Tua was crowned afresh in the very shrineof Osiris amidst the rejoicings of the people.

Then they sailed away to On, the City of the Sun, and thence to makeofferings at the Great Pyramids which were built by some of the earlykings who had ruled Egypt, to serve them as their tombs.

Neter-Tua entered the Pyramids to look upon the bodies of thesePharaohs who had been dead for thousands of years, and whose deedswere all forgotten, though her father would not accompany her therebecause the ways were so steep that he did not dare to tread them.Afterwards, with Asti and a small guard of the Arab chiefs of thedesert, she mounted a dromedary and rode round them in the moonlight,hoping that she would meet the ghosts of those kings, and that theywould talk with her as the ghost of her mother had done. But she sawno ghosts, nor would Asti try to summon them from their sleep,although Tua prayed her to do so.

"Leave them alone," said Asti, as they paused in the shadow of thegreatest of the pyramids and stared at its shining face engraved frombase to summit with many a mystic writing.

"Leave them alone lest they should be angry as Amen was, and tell yourMajesty things which you do not wish to hear. Contemplate their mightyworks, such as no monarch can build to-day, and suffer them to resttherein undisturbed by weaker folk."

"Do you call these mighty works?" asked Tua contemptuously, for shewas angry because Asti would not try to raise the dead. "What are theyafter all, but so many stones put together by the labour of men tosatisfy their own vanity? And of those who built them what storyremains? There is none at all save some vain legends. Now if /I/ liveI will rear a greater monument, for history shall tell of me till timebe dead."

"Perhaps, Neter-Tua, if you live and the gods will it, though for mypart I think that these old stones will survive the story of mostdeeds."

On the morrow of this visit to the Pyramids Pharaoh and the Queen hisdaughter made their state entry into the great white-walled city ofMemphis, where they were royally received by Pharaoh's brother, thePrince Abi, who was still the ruler of all this town and district. Asit chanced these two had not met since Abi, many years before, came toThebes, asking a share in the government of Egypt and to be nominatedas successor to the throne.

Like every other lord and prince, he had been invited to be present atthe great ceremony of the Crowning of Neter-Tua, but at the lastmoment sent his excuses, saying that he was ill, which seemed to betrue. At any rate, the spies reported that he was confined to his bed,though whether sickness or his own will took him thither at thismoment, there was nothing to show. At the time Pharaoh and his Councilwondered a little that he had made no proposal for the marriage of oneof his sons, of whom he had four, to their royal cousin, Neter-Tua,but decided that he had not done so because he was sure that it wouldnot be accepted. For the rest, during all this period Abi had keptquiet in his own Government, which he ruled well and strongly,remitting his taxes to Thebes at the proper time with a ceremonialletter of homage, and even increasing the amount of them.

So it came about that Pharaoh, who by nature was kindly andunsuspicious, had long ago put away all mistrust of his brother, whoseambitions, he was sure, had come to an end with the birth of anheiress to the throne.

Yet, when escorted only by five hundred of his guard, for this was apeaceful visit, Pharaoh rode into the mighty city and saw howimpregnable were its walls and how strong its gates; saw also that thestreets were lined with thousands of well-armed troops, doubts whichhe dismissed as unworthy, did creep into his heart. But if he saidnothing of them, Tua, who rode in the chariot with him, was not sosilent.

"My father," she said in a low voice while the crowds shouted theirwelcome, for they were alone in the chariot, the horses of which wereled, "this uncle of mine keeps a great state in Memphis."

"Yes, Daughter, why should he not? He is its governor."

"A stranger who did not know the truth might think he was its king, myfather, and to be plain, if I were Pharaoh, and had chosen to enterhere, it would have been with a larger force."

"We can go away when we like, Tua," said Pharaoh uneasily.

"You mean, my father, that we can go away when it pleases the Princeyour brother to open those great bronze gates that I heard clashbehind us--then and not before."

At this moment their talk came to an end, for the chariot was stayedat the steps of the great hall where Abi waited to receive his royalguests. He stood at the head of the steps, a huge, coarse, vigorousman of about sixty years of age, on whose fat, swarthy face there wasstill, oddly enough, some resemblance to the delicate, refined-featured Pharaoh.

Tua summed him up in a single glance, and instantly hated him evenmore than she had hated Amathel, Prince of Kesh. Also she who had notfeared the empty-headed, drunken Amathel, was penetrated with astrange terror of this man whom she felt to be strong and intelligent,and whose great, greedy eyes rested on her beauty as though they couldnot tear themselves away.

Now they were ascending the steps, and now Prince Abi was welcomingthem to his "humble house," giving them their throne names, and sayinghow rejoiced he was to see them, his sovereigns, within the walls ofMemphis, while all the time he stared at Tua.

Pharaoh, who was tired, made no reply, but the young Queen, staringback at him, answered:

"We thank you for your greeting, but then, my uncle Abi, why did younot meet us outside the gates of Memphis where we expected to find itsgovernor waiting to deliver up the keys of Pharaoh's city to theofficers of Pharaoh?"

Now Abi, who had thought to see some shrinking child clothed in theemblems of a queen, looked astonished at this tall and royal maidenwho had so sharp a tongue, and found no words to answer her. So sheswept past him and commanded to be shown where she should lodge inMemphis.

They led her to its greatest palace that had been prepared for Pharaohand herself, a place surrounded by palm groves in the midst of thecity, but having studied it with her quick eyes, she said that it didnot please her. So search was made elsewhere, and in the end she choseanother smaller palace that once had been a temple of Sekhet, thetiger-headed goddess of vengeance and of chastity, whereof the pylontowers fronted on the Nile which at its flood washed against them.Indeed, they were now part of the wall of Memphis, for the greatunused gateway between them had been built up with huge blocks ofstone.

Surrounding this palace and outside its courts, lay the old gardens ofthe temple where the priests of Sekhet used to wander, enclosed withina lofty limestone wall. Here, saying that the air from the river wouldbe more healthy for him, Tua persuaded Pharaoh to establish himselfand his Court, and to encamp the guards under the command of hisfriend Mermes, in the outer colonnades and gardens.

When it was pointed out to the Queen that, owing to the lack ofdwelling-rooms, none which were fitting were left for her to occupy,she replied that this mattered nothing, since in the old pylon towerwere two small chambers hollowed in the thickness of its walls, whichwere very pleasing to her, because of the prospect of the Nile and thewide flat lands and the distant Pyramids commanded from the lofty roofand window-places. So these chambers, in which none had dwelt forgenerations, were hastily cleaned out and furnished, and in them Tuaand Asti her foster-mother, took up their abode.

CHAPTER VIII

THE MAGIC IMAGE

That night Pharaoh and Tua rested in privacy with those members ofthe Court whom they had brought with them, but on the morrow began around of festivals such as history scarcely told of in Egypt. Indeed,the feast with which it opened was more splendid than any Tua had seenat Thebes even at the time of her crowning, or on that day of bloodand happiness when Amathel and his Nubian guards were slain and sheand Rames declared their love. At this feast Pharaoh and the youngQueen sat in chairs of gold, while the Prince Abi was placed on herright hand, and not on that of Pharaoh as he should have been as hostand subject.

"I am too much honoured," said Tua, looking at him sideways. "Why doyou not sit by Pharaoh, my uncle?"

"Who am I that I should take the seat of honour when my sovereignscome to visit me?" answered Abi, bowing his great head. "Let it bereserved for the high-priest of Osiris, that Holy One whom, afterPtah, we worship here above all other deities, for he is clothed withthe majesty of the god of death."

"Of death," said Tua. "Is that why you put him by my father?"

"Indeed not," replied Abi, spreading out his hands, "though if achoice must be made, I would rather that he sat near one who is oldand must soon be called the 'ever-living,' than at the side of theloveliest queen that Egypt has ever seen, to whom it is said that Amenhimself has sworn a long life," and again he bowed.

"You mean that you think Pharaoh will soon die. Nay, deny it not,Prince Abi, I can read your thoughts, and they are ill-omened," saidTua sharply and, turning her head away, began to watch those abouther.

Soon she noticed that behind Abi amongst his other officers stood atall, grizzled man clad in the robes and cap of an astrologer, whoappeared to be studying everything, and especially Pharaoh andherself, for whenever she looked round it was to find his quick, blackeyes fixed upon her.

"Who is that man?" she whispered presently to Asti, who waited on her.

"The famous astrologer, Kaku, Queen. I have seen him before when hevisited Thebes with the Prince before your birth. I will tell you ofhim afterwards. Watch him well."

So Tua watched and discovered several things, among them that Kakuobserved everything that she and Pharaoh did, what they ate, to whomthey spoke, and any words which fell from their lips, such as thosethat she had uttered about the god Osiris. All of these he noted downfrom time to time on his waxen tablets, doubtless that he might makeuse of them afterwards in his interpretation of the omens of thefuture.

Now, among the ladies of the Court who fanned Pharaoh and waited onhim was that dancing girl of Abi's who many years before had betrayedhim at Thebes, Merytra, Lady of the Footstool, now a woman of middleage, but still beautiful, of whom, although Tua disliked her, Pharaohwas fond because she was clever and witty of speech and amused him.For this reason, in spite of her history, he had advanced her towealth and honour, and kept her about his person as a companion of hislighter hours. Something in this woman's manner attracted Tua'sattention, for continually she looked at the astrologer, Kaku, whosuddenly awoke to her presence and smiled as though he recognised anold friend. Then, when it was the turn of another to take her placebehind Pharaoh, Merytra drew alongside of Kaku, and under shelter ofher broad fan, spoke to him quickly, as though she were making somearrangement with him, and he nodded in assent, after which theyseparated again.

The feast wore on its weary course till, at length, the doors openedand slaves appeared bearing the mummy of a dead man, which they setupon its feet in the centre of the hall, whereon a toast-master cried:

"Drink and be merry, all ye great ones of the earth, who know not howsoon ye shall come to this last lowly state."

Now this bringing in of the mummy was a very ancient rite, but onethat had fallen into general disuse, so that as it chanced Tua, whohad never seen it practised before, looked on it with curiosity notunmingled with disgust.

"Why is a dead king dragged from his sepulchre back into the world oflife, my Uncle?" she asked, pointing to the royal emblems with whichthe corpse was clothed.

"It is no king, your Majesty," answered Abi, "but only the bones ofsome humble person, or perhaps a block of wood that wears the /urĉus/and carries the sceptre in honour of Pharaoh, our chief guest."

Now Tua frowned, and Pharaoh, who had overheard the talk, said,smiling sadly:

"A somewhat poor compliment, my brother, to one who, like myself, isold and sickly and not far from his eternal habitation. Yet why shouldI grumble at it who need no such reminder of that which awaits me andall of us?" and he leaned back in his chair and sighed, while Tualooked at him anxiously.

Then Abi ordered the mummy to be removed, declaring, with manyapologies, that it had been brought there only because such was theancient custom of Memphis, which, unlike Thebes, did not change itsfashions. He added that this same body or figure, for he knew notwhich it was, having never troubled to inquire, had been looked uponby at least thirty Pharaohs, all as dead as it to-day, since it wasthe same that was used at the royal feasts before, long ago, the seatof government was moved to Thebes.

"If so," broke in Tua, who was angry, "it is time that it should beburied, if flesh and bone, or burned if wood. But Pharaoh is wearied.Have we your leave to depart, my Uncle?"

Without answering, Abi rose, as she thought to dismiss the company.But it was not so, for he raised a great, golden cup of wine and said:

"Before we part, my guests, let Memphis drink a welcome to the mightyLord of the Two Lands who, for the first time in his long and gloriousreign, honours it with his presence here to-day. As he said to me butnow, my royal brother is weak and aged with sickness, nor can we hopethat once his visit is ended, he will return again to the White-walledCity. But as it chances the gods have given him a boon which theydenied for long, the lovely daughter who shares his throne, and who,as we believe and pray, will reign after him when it pleases him toascend into the kingdom of Osiris. Yet, my friends, it is evil thatthe safe and lawful government of Egypt should hang on one frail life.Therefore this is the toast to which I drink--that the Queen Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, Hathor Strong in Beauty, who has rejectedso many suitors, may before she departs from among us, find one to herliking, some husband of royal blood, skilled in the art of rule, whosestrength and knowledge may serve to support her woman's weakness andinexperience in that sad hour when she finds herself alone."

Now the audience, who well understood the inner meaning and objects ofthis speech, rose and cheered furiously, as they had been schooled todo, emptying their cups to Pharaoh and to Tua and shouting:

"We know the man. Take him, glorious Queen, take him, Daughter ofAmen, and reign for ever."

"What do they mean?" muttered Pharaoh, "I do not understand. Thankthem, my daughter, my voice is weak, and let us begone."

So Tua rose when at length there was silence and, looking round herwith flashing eyes, said in her clear voice that reached the furthestrecesses of the hall:

"The Pharaoh, my father, and I, the Queen of the Upper and the LowerLands, return thanks to you, our people of this city, for your loyalgreetings. But as for the words that the Prince Abi has spoken, weunderstand them not. My prayer is that the Pharaoh may still reign inglory for many years, but if he departs and I remain, learn, O people,that you have naught to fear from the weakness and inexperience ofyour Queen. Learn also that she seeks no husband, nor when she seekswill she ever find one within the walls of Memphis. Rest you well, Opeople and you, my Uncle Abi, as now with your good leave we will doalso."

Then, turning, she took her father by the hand and went without morewords, leaving Abi staring at his guests while his guests stared backat him.

When Tua had reached the pylon tower, where she lodged, and her ladieshad unrobed her and gone, she called Asti to her from the adjoiningchamber and said:

"You are wise, my nurse, tell me, what did Abi mean?"

"If your Majesty cannot guess, then you are duller than I thought,"answered Asti in her quick, dry fashion, adding; "however, I will tryto translate. The Prince Abi, your noble uncle, means that he hastrapped you here, and that you shall not leave these walls save as hiswife."

Now fury took hold of Tua.

"How dare he speak such words?" she gasped, springing to her feet. "I,the wife of that old river-hog, my father's brother who might be mygrandfather, that hideous, ancient lump of wickedness who boasts thathe has a hundred sons and daughters; I, the Queen of Egypt, whosebirth was decreed by Amen, I--how dare you?" and she ceased, chokingin her wrath.

"The question is--how he dares, Queen. Still, that is his plot whichhe will carry through if he is able. I suspected it from the first,and that is why I always opposed this visit to Memphis, but you willremember that you bade me be silent, saying that you had determined tosee the most ancient city in Egypt."

"You should not have been silent. You should have said what was inyour mind, even if I ordered you from my presence. Neither Abi nor anyof his sons proposed for my hand when the others did, therefore /I/suspected nothing----"

"After the fashion of women who have already given their hearts,Queen, and forget that they have other things to give--a kingdom, forinstance. The snake does not roar like the lion, yet it is more to befeared."

"Once I am out of this place it is the snake that shall have cause tofear, Asti, for I will break its back and throw it writhing to thekites. Nurse, we must leave Memphis."

"That is not easy, Queen, since some ceremony is planned for each ofthe next eight days. If Pharaoh were to go away without attendingthem, he would anger all the people of the North which he has notvisited since he was crowned."

"Then let them be angered; Pharaoh can do as he wills."

"Yes, Queen, at least, that is the saying. But do you think thatPharaoh wishes to bring about a civil war and risk his crown andyours? Listen: Abi is very strong, and under his command he has agreater army than Pharaoh can muster in these times of peace, for inaddition to his trained troops, all the thousands of the Bedouintribes of the desert look on him as lord, and at his word will fall onthe wealth of Egypt like famished vultures on a fatted ox. Moreover,here you have but a guard of five hundred men, whereas Abi'sregiments, summoned to do you honour, and his ships of war block theriver and the southern road. How then will you leave Memphis withouthis good leave; how will you even send messengers to summon aid whichcould not reach you under fifty days?"

Now when she saw the greatness of the danger, Tua grew quite calm andanswered:

"You have done wrong, Asti; if you foresaw all these things of which Inever thought, you should have warned Pharaoh and his Council."

"Queen, I did warn them, and Mermes warned them also, but they wouldnot listen, saying that they were but the idle dreams of one whostrives to peep into the future and sees false pictures there. More,Pharaoh sent for me himself, and whilst thanking me and Mermes myhusband, told me that he had inquired into the matter and found nocause to distrust Abi or those under his command. Moreover, he forbademe to speak to your Majesty about it, lest, being but young and awoman, you might be frightened and your pleasure spoilt."

"Who was his counsellor?" asked Tua.

"A strange one, I think, Queen. You know his waiting-woman, Merytra,she of whom he is so fond, and who stood behind him with a fan thisnight."

"Aye, I know her," replied Tua, with emphasis. "She was everwhispering with that tall astrologer at the feast. But does Pharaohtake counsel with waiting-ladies of his private household?"

"With this waiting-lady, it seems, Queen. Perhaps you have not heardall her story. in the year before your birth Merytra came up the Nilewith Abi. She was then quite young and very pretty; one of Abi'swomen. It seems that the Prince struck her for some fault, and beingclever she determined to be revenged upon him. Soon she got herchance, for she heard Abi disclose to the astrologer Kaku, that sameman whom you saw to-night talking with her, a plan that he had made tomurder Pharaoh and declare himself king, from which Kaku dissuadedhim. Having this secret and being bold, she fled at once from the shipof Abi, and that night told Pharaoh everything. But he forgave Abi,and sent him home again with honour who should have slain him for histreason. Only Merytra remained in the Court, and from that timeforward Pharaoh, who trusted her and was caught by her wit and beauty,made it a habit to send for her when he wished to have news of Memphiswhere she was born, because she seemed always to know even the mostsecret things that were passing in that city. Moreover, often herinformation proved true."

"That is not to be wondered at, Nurse, seeing that doubtless it camefrom this Kaku, Abi's astrologer and magician."

"No, Queen, it is not to be wondered at, especially as she paid backsecret for secret. Well, I believe that after I had warned Pharaoh ofwhat I knew, never mind how, he sent for Merytra, who laughed the taleto scorn, and told him that Abi his brother had long ago abandoned allambitions, being well content with his great place and power which oneof his sons would inherit after him. She told him also that the troopswere but assembled to do the greater honour to your Majesties who hadno more loyal or loving subject than the Prince Abi, whom for her partshe hated with good cause, as she loved Pharaoh and his House--withgood cause. If there were any danger, she asked would she dare to putherself within the reach of Abi, the man that she had once betrayedbecause her heart was pure and true, and she was faithful to her king.So Pharaoh believed her, and I obeyed the orders of Pharaoh, knowingthat if I did not do so he would grow angry and perhaps separate mefrom you, my beloved Queen and fosterling, which, now that Rames hasgone, would, I think, have meant my death. Yet I fear that I haveerred."

"Yes, I fear also that you have erred, Asti, but everything isforgiven to those who err through love," answered Tua kindly andkissing her. "Oh, my father, Pharaoh! What god fashioned you so weakthat an evil spirit in a woman's shape can play the rudder to yourpolicy! Leave me now, Asti, for I must sleep and call on Amen to aidhis daughter. The snare is strong and cunning, but, perchance, in mydreams he will show me how it may be broke."

That night when the feast was ended Merytra, Pharaoh's favouredwaiting-maid, did not return with the rest of the royal retinue to thetemple where he lodged. As they went from the hall in state shewhispered a few words into the ear of the chief Butler of theHousehold who, knowing that she had the royal pass to come in and outas she would, answered that the gate should be opened to her, and lether go.

So covering her head with a dark cloak Merytra slipped behind acertain statue in the ante-hall and waited till presently a tallfigure, also wrapped in a dark cloak, appeared and beckoned to her.She followed it down sundry passages and up a narrow stair that seemedalmost endless, until, at length, the figure unlocked a massive door,and when they had passed it, locked it again behind them.

Now Merytra found herself in a very richly furnished room lit byhanging-lamps, that evidently was the abode of one who watched thestars and practised magic, for all about were strange-looking brazeninstruments and rolls of papyrus covered with mysterious signs, andsuspended above the table a splendid divining ball of crystal. Merytrasank into a chair, throwing off her dark cloak.

"Of a truth, friend Kaku," she said, so soon as she had got herbreath, "you dwell very near the gods."

"Yes, dear Merytra," he answered with a dry chuckle, "I keep a kind ofhalf-way house to heaven. Perched here in my solitude I see and makenote of what goes on above," and he pointed to the skies, "and retailthe information, or as much of it as I think fit, to the groundlingsbelow."

"At a price, I suppose, Kaku."

"Most certainly at a price, and I may add, a good price. No one thinksmuch of the physician who charges low fees. Well, you have managed toget here, and after all these years I am glad to see you again,looking almost as young and pretty as ever. Tell me your secret ofeternal youth, dear Merytra."

Merytra, who was vain, smiled at this artful flattery, although, intruth, it was well deserved, for at an age when many Egyptians areold, she remained fresh and fair.

"An excellent conscience," she answered, "a good appetite and thevirtuous, quiet life, which is the lot of the ladies of Pharaoh'sCourt--there you have the secret, Kaku. I fear that you keep too latehours, and that is why you grow white and withered like a mummy--notbut that you look handsome enough in those long robes of yours," sheadded to gild the pill.

"It is my labours," he replied, making a wry face, for he too wasvain. "My labours for the good of others, also indigestion and thedraughts in this accursed tower where I sit staring at the stars,which give me rheumatism. I have got both of them now, and must takesome medicine," and filling two goblets from a flask, he handed herone of them, saying, "drink it, you don't get wine like that inThebes."

"It is very good," said Merytra when she had drunk, "but heavy. If Itook much of that I think I should have 'rheumatism,' too. Now tellme, old friend, am I safe, in this place? No, not from Pharaoh, hetrusts me and lets me go where I will upon his business--but from hisroyal brother. He used to have a long memory, and from the look of himI do not think that his temper has improved. You may remember acertain slap in the face and how I paid him back for it."

"He never knew it was you, Merytra. Being a mass of self-conceit, hethought that you ran away because he had banished you from his royalpresence and presented you--to me."

"Oh, he thought that, did he! What a vain fool!"

"It was a very dirty trick you played me, Merytra," went on Kaku withindignation, for the rich wine coursing through his blood revived thesting of his loss. "You know how fond I always was of you, and indeedam still," he added, gazing at her admiringly.

"I felt that I was not worthy of so learned and distinguished a man,"she replied, looking at him with her dark eyes. "I should only havehampered your life, dear Kaku, so I went into the household of thatpoor creature, Pharaoh, instead--Pharaoh's Nunnery we call it. But youwill not explain the facts to Abi, will you?"

"No, I think not, Merytra, if we continue to get on as well as we doat present. But now you are rested, so let us come to business, forotherwise you will have to stop here all night and Pharaoh would beangry."

"Oh, to Set with Pharaoh! Though it is true that he is a goodpaymaster, and knows the value of a clever woman. Now, what is thisbusiness?"

The old astrologer's face grew hard and cunning. Going to the door hemade sure that it was locked and drew a curtain over it. Then he tooka stool and sat himself down in front of Merytra, in such a positionthat the light fell on her face while his own remained in shadow.

"A big business, Merytra, and by the gods I do not know that I shouldtrust you with it. You tricked me once, you have tricked Pharaoh foryears; how do I know that you will not play the same game once moreand earn me an order to cut my own throat, and so lose life and soultogether?"

"If you think that, Kaku, perhaps you will unlock the door and give mean escort home, for we are only wasting time."

"I don't know what to think, for you are as cunning as you arebeautiful. Listen, woman," he continued in a savage whisper, andclasping her by the wrist. "If you are false, I tell you that youshall die horribly, for if the knife and poison fail, I am nocharlatan, I have arts. I can make you turn loathsome to the sight andwaste away, I can haunt you at nights so that you may never sleep awink, save in full sunshine, and I will do it all and more. If I die,Merytra, we go together. Now will you swear to be true, will you swearit by the oath of oaths?"

The spy looked about her. She knew Kaku's power which was famousthroughout Egypt, and that it was said to be of the most evil sort,and she feared him.

"It seems that this is a dangerous affair," she replied uneasily, "andI think that I can guess your aim. Now if I help you, Kaku, what am/I/ to get?"

"Me," he answered.

"I am flattered, but what else?"

"After Pharaoh the greatest place and the most power in Egypt, as thewife of Pharaoh's Vizier."

"The wife? Doubtless from what I have heard of you, Kaku, there wouldbe other wives to share these honours."

"No other wife--upon the oath, none, Merytra."

She thought a moment, looking at the wizened but powerful-faced oldmagician, then answered:

"I will take the oath and keep my share of it. See that you keepyours, Kaku, or it will be the worse for you, for women have their ownevil power."

"I know it, Merytra, and from the beginning the wise have held thatthe spirit dwells, not in the heart or brain or liver, but in thefemale tongue. Now stand up."

She obeyed, and from some hidden place in the wall Kaku produced abook, or rather a roll of magical writings, that was encased in iron,the metal of the evil god, Typhon.

"There is no other such book as this," he said, "for it was written bythe greatest of wizards who lived before Mena, when the god-kingsruled in Egypt, and I, myself, took it from among his bones, aterrible task for his Ka rose up in the grave and threatened me. Hewho can read in that book, as I can, has much strength, and let himbeware who breaks an oath taken on that book. Now press it to yourheart, Merytra, and swear after me."

Then he repeated a very terrible oath, for should it be violated itconsigned the swearer to shame, sickness and misfortune in this world,and to everlasting torments in the next at the claws and fangs ofbeast-headed demons who dwell in the darkness beyond the sun,appointing, by name, those beings who should work the torments, andsummoning them as witnesses to the bond.